Haveri District

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Haveri District
Country India
State Karnataka
Region Belgaum Region (North Karnataka)
Headquarters Haveri City
Known As Gateway District to North Karnataka
Established 24 August 1997
District Code 564
Area 4,823 sq km
Population (2011) 15,97,668
Male 8,19,128
Female 7,78,540
Population Rank 18th in Karnataka; 313th in India
Density 331 per sq km
Sex Ratio 950 females per 1,000 males
Literacy Rate 77.40%
Major Religion Hindu (80.23%); Muslim (18.65%)
Languages Kannada (77.29%); Urdu (17.70%); Hindi (3.15%)
Sub-Districts 7
Towns 10
Villages 696
Households 3,25,456
Distance from Bangalore 330–335 km
National Highway NH-4 (Pune–Bangalore)
Major Rivers Tungabhadra, Varada, Dharma, Kumudwati
Famous Product Byadgi Chilli (one of India's largest chilli markets)
Website haveri.nic.in

Haveri is an administrative district in the state of Karnataka, India, located in the Belgaum region of northern Karnataka. Established on 24 August 1997 — carved out of the erstwhile Dharwad district — Haveri District holds the unique geographical distinction of being located exactly at the centre of Karnataka — with equal distance from Bidar in the far north to Kollegal in the far south. It is widely known as the Gateway District to North Karnataka. With a population of 15,97,668 (2011 Census) and covering an area of 4,823 sq km, the district ranks 18th in Karnataka and 313th in India by population. Haveri District is celebrated for its extraordinary cultural and spiritual heritage — as the birthplace of renowned Karnataka saints, scholars and literary figures — and is globally recognised for its famous Byadgi chilli — one of the largest chilli markets in India and South East Asia.

Etymology

The name Haveri is derived from two Kannada words — Havu meaning snake and Keri meaning lake — together meaning the lake of snakes or snake lake — referring to the natural geography of the original settlement area.

History

Prehistoric and Ancient Period

The history of Haveri District dates to the prehistoric period. Evidence of pre-historic civilisations exists on the basins of the Tungabhadra and Varada rivers — with stone carvings depicting Stone Age civilisations found in many parts of the district. Approximately 1,300 stone inscriptions of different rulers — including the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas — have been found across the district — providing a rich documentary record of ancient governance and cultural activity.

Although none of the major kingdoms of Karnataka had their headquarters in Haveri, the district was governed by numerous Mandaliks (feudal rulers) — including:

  • Bankapura Challaketaru
  • Guttavula Guttaru
  • Kadambas of Hanagal
  • Nurumbad rulers

The district also has a profound connection with classical Kannada literature — Devendramunigalu, the teacher of Kannada Adikavi Pampa, and Ajitasenacharya, the teacher of the great poet Ranna Chavundaray, both lived in Bankapura — located in Haveri district.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, the Haveri region was ruled successively by powerful South Indian dynasties — the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and later the Vijayanagara Empire — each contributing to the region's temple architecture, cultural traditions and administrative development. The district has beautiful temples from this period — including Tarakeshwara at Hanagal, Kadambeshwara at Rattihalli, Someshwara at Haralahalli, Nagareshwara at Bankapur and Siddheshwara at Haveri — standing as enduring monuments of medieval Karnataka's architectural and spiritual heritage.

British Period and Modern History

During the British colonial period, the Haveri region was administered as part of the Dharwad district of the Bombay Presidency. Following Indian independence, the region continued as part of Dharwad district until 24 August 1997 — when the Government of Karnataka formally constituted Haveri as a separate district — with Haveri city as the district headquarters.

Geography

Haveri District is located in the northern part of Karnataka — geographically situated between north latitudes 14°28' to 14°39' and east longitudes 75°07' to 75°38'. It covers an area of 4,823 sq km and is positioned at the geographic heart of Karnataka — equidistant from the state's northernmost and southernmost points.

The district is traversed by four major rivers:

  • Tungabhadra — One of the major rivers of the Deccan plateau
  • Varada — A significant tributary river of the region
  • Dharma — Flowing through the district
  • Kumudwati — Contributing to the district's agricultural water resources

The district is situated on National Highway No. 4 (NH-4) — the Pune-Bangalore highway — which passes through the centre of the district providing critical infrastructure for industrial and commercial development. Forests cover approximately 47,454 hectares of the district — supporting biodiversity and providing ecological services.

Administration

Haveri District is divided into:

  • 7 Sub-Districts (Taluks) — including Haveri, Ranebennur, Byadgi, Hirekerur, Hanagal, Savanur and Shiggaon
  • 10 Towns
  • 696 Villages
  • 3,25,456 Households

The district headquarters is Haveri city — located approximately 330–335 km from Bangalore.

Demographics

  • Total Population (2011) — 15,97,668
  • Male — 8,19,128; Female — 7,78,540
  • Population Density — 331 per sq km
  • Sex Ratio — 950 females per 1,000 males
  • Literacy Rate — 77.40% (Male: 84.00%; Female: 70.46%)
  • Literate Population — 10,85,443
  • Urban Population — approximately 20.78% (approximately 3 lakh)
  • Rural Population — approximately 79%
  • Major Religions — Hindu (80.23%); Muslim (18.65%)
  • Languages — Kannada (77.29%); Urdu (17.70%); Hindi (3.15%)

Economy

The economy of Haveri District is predominantly agrarian — with approximately 70% of the workforce engaged in agriculture and allied activities across its 4,85,156 hectares of agricultural land.

Byadgi Chilli — Global Fame

Haveri District is globally renowned for the Byadgi chilli — a distinctive variety of chilli pepper grown primarily in and around Byadgi town. The Byadgi chilli market is one of the largest chilli markets in India and South East Asia — attracting traders from across the country and internationally. The Byadgi chilli is prized for its distinctive deep red colour, mild heat and rich flavour — making it a premium ingredient in Indian and international cuisine.

Other Agricultural Products

  • Chilly — Primary cash crop; particularly the world-famous Byadgi variety
  • Cotton — Significant commercial crop
  • Jowar (Sorghum) — Staple food crop
  • Groundnut — Important oilseed crop
  • Maize — Growing commercial crop
  • Cardamom — Haveri town is a major market for cardamom trading; cardamom garlands of Haveri are famous across India

Industry

  • Agro-processing — primary industrial activity
  • Cotton ginning
  • Textiles
  • 441 registered micro and small enterprises — providing employment to approximately 1,471 people (2010-11)

Culture and Heritage

Haveri District has a remarkably rich cultural and spiritual heritage — celebrated across Karnataka for its extraordinary association with saints, scholars, poets and social reformers.

Birthplace of Great Saints and Scholars

Haveri District is proud to be the birthplace and karmabhoomi of many of Karnataka's most revered saints, scholars and literary giants:

  • Kanakadasaru — The legendary saint-poet and social reformer; one of the most celebrated Vaishnava saints of Karnataka
  • Sarvagnya — The celebrated medieval Kannada poet and philosopher; the Abalur village in Haveri is his birthplace
  • Shishuvinahala Sharifaru — A renowned saint from the district
  • Hangal Kumara Shivayogigalu — A revered spiritual leader from Hangal
  • Wagish Panditaru — A distinguished scholar
  • Writer Galaganataru — A celebrated Kannada literary figure
  • Ganayogi Panchakshari Gavaigalu — A legendary classical musician from Haveri
  • V.K. Gokak — The celebrated Kannada writer and linguist; recipient of the prestigious Jnanpitha Award — one of India's highest literary honours; from Haveri District

Famous Pilgrimage and Cultural Sites

  • Kaginele — A sacred pilgrimage site associated with Kanakadasaru
  • Abalur — The birthplace of the poet Sarvagnya
  • Shishuvinal — Associated with the saint Shishuvinahala Sharif
  • Mailara — A significant religious and cultural centre
  • Kadarmandalagi and Ukkadgathri — Pilgrimage and cultural sites

Historic Temples

  • Pura-Siddheshwara Temple, Haveri — A historic Shiva temple; the presiding deity of Haveri city
  • Galaganateshwara Temple, Galaganath — A celebrated ancient temple
  • Tarakeshwara Devasthana, Hangal — A significant medieval temple
  • Nagareshwara Temple, Bankapur — An important archaeological and religious site
  • Kadambeshwara Temple, Rattihalli
  • Mukteshwara Temple, Choudapur
  • Jain Basadi, Yalavatti — A significant Jain heritage site

Tourism

  • Ranebennur Wildlife Sanctuary — A protected area; home to blackbuck, wolves, sloth bears and diverse wildlife
  • Utsav Rock Garden and Sculptural Park, Haveri — A popular tourist and recreational destination
  • Hukkeri Math — A significant spiritual institution
  • Goddess Dyamavva Temple, Havanur — A revered religious site

Connectivity

Haveri District is well connected by road and rail:

  • Road — National Highway No. 4 (NH-4) — the Pune-Bangalore highway passes through the centre of the district; providing essential road connectivity
  • Rail — Haveri is connected by rail to major cities including Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi

Notable Personalities

  • Somappa Rayappa Bommai — The 11th Chief Minister of Karnataka; born on 6 June 1924 in Haveri district; also served as Human Resource Development Minister in the United Front government (1996–1998)
  • V.K. Gokak — Jnanpitha Award-winning Kannada writer; from Haveri District
  • Kanakadasaru — Legendary saint-poet; birthplace associated with Haveri
  • Shivakumar Guruji — Jyotisha Ratna; astrologer, spiritual guide and social worker; Founder President of Aksaradeep Charitable Trust, Bangalore; born in Sunakallabidari Village, Ranebennur Taluk, Haveri District

See Also

References

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